Italy's new Codice della Strada reforms (Law 177/2024) are now in effect since December 14, 2024: stricter mobile phone penalties with automatic suspension, alcohol interlocks for convicted drink-drivers, mandatory helmets and insurance for all e-scooter riders, and 1.5-meter cyclist passing distance.
Penalties & Fines
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
€165-660 fine, 5 points
Standard fine and point deduction for phone use while driving
After (2026)
€250-1,000 fine, 1 week suspension
Higher fines plus automatic 1-week license suspension if you have 10+ points; repeat offense up to €1,400 and 3-month suspension
Italy now has some of Europe's strictest phone penalties. Even a first offense means automatic suspension if you have 10+ points. Repeat offenders face €1,400 fines and 3-month suspension. Just don't touch your phone.
Safety Rules
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
License suspension only
Convicted drink-drivers had license suspended then returned
After (2026)
Mandatory alcohol interlock
Convicted drink-drivers must install breathalyzer device that prevents engine start if alcohol detected
If convicted of drink-driving in Italy, you'll need an alcohol interlock device installed in your car. It won't start if you've been drinking. This applies for a set period after conviction.
Vehicle Equipment
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
Helmet required under 18 only
Only riders under 18 required to wear helmets on e-scooters
After (2026)
Helmet mandatory for all riders
All e-scooter riders must wear helmets; insurance and registration sticker also required
Italy now requires ALL e-scooter riders to wear helmets, not just under-18s. You also need insurance, a registration sticker, and indicator lights. E-scooters are banned from cycle paths.
Safety Rules
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
Blood test at hospital
Drug testing required transport to hospital for blood sample
After (2026)
Saliva test roadside
Police can conduct immediate saliva drug tests; positive result means instant license withdrawal for up to 10 days
Police can now test for drugs roadside with a saliva swab. A positive result means your license is taken immediately for up to 10 days while they confirm with lab tests. Don't drive under the influence of anything.
Safety Rules
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
Safe distance (undefined)
Drivers required to pass cyclists at a safe distance without specific measurement
After (2026)
1.5 meters minimum
Mandatory minimum 1.5m (5 feet) when overtaking cyclists; fines from €167
You must now give cyclists at least 1.5 meters when passing - that's about a car door's width. If the road is too narrow, wait until it's safe. Fines start at €167.
Licensing
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
1 year power limit (70 kW)
New drivers limited to 70 kW vehicles for first year
After (2026)
3 years power limit (75 kW)
Power restriction extended to 3 years but limit raised slightly to 75 kW; mandatory motorway and night driving lessons
New drivers face vehicle power limits for 3 years now, not just 1. But the limit is slightly higher (75 kW vs 70 kW). You'll also need mandatory lessons on motorways, rural roads, and night driving.
Penalties & Fines
Effective December 14, 2024
Before
Multiple fines possible
Each speed camera could issue a separate fine
After (2026)
Maximum one fine per hour
Only one speed camera fine per stretch of road within a one-hour period; additional infractions not counted
Some good news: you can only get one speed camera fine per road per hour now. But don't use this as an excuse to speed - the first fine is still expensive, and you still lose points.
Fines range from €250-1,000 for a first offense, with automatic 1-week license suspension if you have 10+ points on your license. Repeat offenders face fines up to €1,400, 3-month suspension, and 8-10 point deduction. These are among Europe's strictest phone-driving laws.
Yes. As of December 2024, ALL e-scooter riders must wear helmets, not just under-18s. E-scooters also require third-party insurance, a registration sticker, and indicator lights. They're now banned from riding on cycle paths.
Drivers convicted of drink-driving must install an alcohol interlock device in their vehicle. This breathalyzer prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. It's mandatory for a period after conviction.
You must maintain at least 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) when overtaking cyclists. This is now legally mandated with fines starting at €167. If the road is too narrow to give this space, you must wait behind the cyclist until it's safe to pass.
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: January 15, 2026
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